From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 Echoes of the Fallen: II 𖥸

A/N: I didn't flush out the battle with Sigma because I am way too excited to get to the rest of this story. The only battles that will be flushed out will be Omega's and an original/non-canon one. Hope you all enjoy part two of the DLC! Love you all!!!
✨~Celestial~✨
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Crossing the bridge into Sorrowise, the group chased after the crystal traders. They trekked through the swamp and searched for the three robed men.

"There was something odd about those three.
They seemed less like merchants and more like..." Clive started.

"Charlatans? One might argue that a merchant is naught but a mummer without his motley," Joshua said.

"Then why am I not amused?"

"Perhaps it is due to the fact they used you as their scapegoat," Lyra commented. A scheming smile manifested on her face. "I could give them a little scare as repayment. Name your beast and I shall deliver."

Clive chuckled at her offer. "As much as I would enjoy to see such a display, we do need them in a state that would allow them to speak properly."

She let out a small huff of disappointment. "A pity. I was hoping for a little amusement."

"You may have your fun once they answer our questions."

"Then I shall stave my hand 'til then."

Traveling deeper into the swampland of Sorrowise, they came across dusk crystal shards in the damp mud thanks to Torgal's excellent sense of smell.

The shards, however, were not the only things Joshua noticed. A few feet away from the dusk crystals, he saw the disturbed mud. "Clive. Judging by the state of the ground, a lot more passed this way than our three charlatans."

"Another group of bandits?" Jill wondered.

"I doubt they'd leave this crystal behind. Regardless, we're on the right track. Let's pick up the pace," Clive said.

Continuing on, they headed north in Sorrowise. They trekked down the muddy path and eventually found the crystal traders standing by the brackish water. They approached the trio, who were shocked at seeing them.

"Fuck! Persistent bastards, I'll give them that," Famiel remarked. He then tried to be friendly and forced a smile. "Friends! I knew those louts were no match for you!"

"But of course you did," Clive replied, not deceived for even a second. "Because you know what we're capable of, don't you? Now, you deal in crystal. Dusk crystal. And we want to know where you got it...so you're going to tell us."

The man dropped the act but still tried to hide the truth. "Let's assume for a moment that we are the merchants you're looking for."

"You are," Lyra spoke up. She pulled out the dusk crystal she stole from Marnek and held it out for him to see. Seeing their confusion beginning to turn into panic, a small smirk appeared on her face as she put the crystal away. "It would be wise to tell us the truth."

When she took a step closer to them, the crystal traders became frightened and stepped back. She ceased her approach when the leader raised his hands. "A-All right! So what if we deal in crystals? Why would we tell you where we procure our stock?
What kind of shepherd leads a wolf straight—"

The man was interrupted as another tremor shook the ground. They all braced themselves to keep from falling.

"Are they getting worse?" Clive asked.

Lyra looked around, wondering what was causing such a powerful tremor. Feeling an overwhelming flow of aether, she couldn't understand what was happening until she saw the Fallen tower in the distance come to life. Her eyes widen in utter shock as the aether torches surrounding the tower lit up. "By the heavens..."